She was a poet, short story writer and satirist. She was the original party girl and relationship cynic, and one of Hollywood’s blacklisted. And her round table at the Algonquin made Sir Arthur’s look like it belonged in a romper room. In honor of her birthday, 10 famous quotes from the irreplaceable Dorothy Parker.
1. “If you wear a short enough skirt, the party will come to you.”
2. “Living well is the best revenge.”
3. “I’m not a writer with a drinking problem, I’m a drinker with a writing problem.”
4. “It’s not the tragedies that kill us; it’s the messes.”
5. “If you have any young friends who aspire to become writers, the second greatest favor you can do them is to present them with copies of The Elements of Style. The first greatest, of course, is to shoot them now, while they’re happy.”
6. “A little bad taste is like a nice dash of paprika.”
7. “The first thing I do in the morning is brush my teeth and sharpen my tongue.”
8. “Yet, as only New Yorkers know, if you can get through the twilight, you’ll live through the night.”
9. “The two most beautiful words in the English language are ‘check enclosed.’ ”
10. “By the time you swear you’re his, shivering and sighing, and he vows his passion is infinite, undying: Lady, make note of this—one of you is lying.”
